Sony MDR7506 Studio Headphones

Sony's MDR7506 Studio Headphones are still the same legendary classic headphones which have dominated for nearly 30 years. There's a reason why these remain an in-demand favorite. No studio should be without a pair or four!

Sony's MDR7506 is an extremely high quality, unobtrusive, lightweight reference headphone which has been engineered to be comfortable to wear for extended periods, making it ideal for use in broadcast and studio environments. A 40mm PET diaphragm and neodymium magnet provide performance exceeding the requirements of digital audio sources.

Sony MDR7506 Studio Headphones Includes

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What We Think

Depending on when you grew up, Sony's MDR7506 headphones may just be the first set of cans you heard which blew your mind and opened you up to what sonic possibilities truly awaited you when you had a set of these babies to plug into your Walkman (Yes - we're talking about the Sony Walkman... and we'll even get specific; the Sony WM-F45 Sports Walkman!). Nostalgia aside, what is it about the MDR7506 that we love? For starters - they are clear and bright on the top-end. That can work against them, somewhat in regards to long-term fatigue. But for drummers, they are LOUD and they cut through the bleed. Second - they're comfortable! The headband and ear-cup mechanism really just conforms to your head like a pillow cushion. The thing about these headphones are the most everyone knows them. And even though there are a lot of newer headphones out there these days which may or may not be better for a particular situation or musician, musicians are particular, and they'll request or even demand the MDR7506. And the MDR7506 was referenced by producer engineer Andrew Scheps as a mix reference, stating that they are bright and highlight the top-end where he feels that more mistakes are made when mixing. Long story short, if you have a commercial studio, you should always have at least a pair or two MDR7506.

These headphones are very clear and pronounced in the upper rage, making them very dependable for tracking/ timing accuracy and detail. For those reasons alone they are great headphones. Whereas more expensive headphones will allow the sound to open up and be more 3D, the 7506 will be the perfect tool when recording through phones and you need to really hear something. I've owned mine for many years, replaced the earpads twice, and hope to have them many more.

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A standard for a reason

September 13, 2011

Reviewer:
Brandt Fincher from Aiken, SC United States

These are overall my favorite $100 closed ear headphones. They can be a little bright but they transfer a good sound for tracking in the studio and are pretty good for getting a quick reference in the field. Every other headphone I have heard in this price range can't compete.

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Superb all-around headphones

February 17, 2011

Reviewer:
V. A. DE SAINT PHALLE from JOHNSON, VT United States

I originally bought these for monitoring sound on video shoots, but now I use them for listening to music and even doing mix-downs in Pro-Tools. Very accurate and very comfortable to wear.

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Durable, good-sounding closed headphones

October 19, 2010

Reviewer:
Steve

The MDR-7506 (same as the V6) has been around for a long time for a reason - it's durable, inexpensive, and one of the best sub-$100 options for headphone monitors. True to most Sony headphones I've heard, it has a very clean, clear sound that separates the various musical elements discretely. Bass is low, powerful, & fast, never plodgy. Propensity towards treble though that can accentuate sibilance. Wouldn't recommend for general music listening unless you like a slightly recessed mid-range. The earpads are upgradeable too with the velour earpads from Beyerdynamic's DT250-80 for added comfort.

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There's a reason these are the standard bearers

December 6, 2005

Reviewer:
Philip from Bergenfield, NJ United States

I've had 3 pairs of these for my studio for years. They're sturdy, consistant and always sound acurate. They are the studio standard for tracking headphones the world over for good reason... quality. I have a few different kinds of headphones for mixing, tracking & monitoring etc, but it's my 7506's I trust first.